The Grand Illusion

FAMILY PORTRAIT follows a sprawling family on a morning when they have planned a group picture. After the mother disappears and one of the daughters becomes increasingly anxious to find her and take the picture, the rest of the family appears to resist any attempt to gather. Initially presenting itself as a realistic portrayal of a family on an idle but hectic summer day, the film progressively descends into a realm where time and space lose their grip, transforming the family portrait into a solemn and enigmatic ritual of transition.

Winner of the Locarno Boccalino d’Oro for Best Director at the 2023 Locarno Film Festival.

“Begins as a slippery drama before gradually descending into something closer to surreal horror… If you’re willing to take the plunge, it’s a haunting experience.” Chase Hutchinson, Collider

“Still waters run deep in this feature debut… the images that [director] Kerr finds along the way gradually reveal a bold new filmmaker whose vision penetrates well below the surface of American self-identity.” David Ehrlich, IndieWire

“A low-key fever dream. Unnerving. Quietly haunting.” Neil Young, Screen Daily